Organization of Islamic Cooperation expresses concern over unrest in Mali

Mali's riot security forces running battles with opposition activist during a prohibited march in Bamako, Mali, in this June. 2, 2018 photo. (AP)

• Most protests are banned as the nation has lived under a near-constant state of emergency since an attack on a hotel in Bamako in November 2015 left 20 people dead
• Peaceful dialogue is the only way to achieve social harmony

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its concern over the latest political developments in Mali following the violent events in the capital Bamako, which resulted in the injury of dozens of citizens.
The secretary-general of the OIC, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, called on the Malian government and all political components to show restraint.
He called on all the stakeholders to take measures to calm the situation. The OIC chief said peaceful dialogue is the only way to achieve social harmony.
Following the violent incident, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for “calm and restraint by all parties,” AFP reported.
Mali is one of the so-called “G5 Sahel” states — along with Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger — which have launched joint operations against militant groups.
Most protests are banned as the nation has lived under a near-constant state of emergency since an attack on a hotel in Bamako in November 2015 left 20 people dead.